Other education programs and resources

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Self-led educational activities at Harbison State Forest

Junior Forester program

Looking for something fun AND educational to do with your kids while at Harbison State Forest? Consider participating in SC Forestry Commission’s Junior Forester program.

Stop by the Education Center between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to participate in the Junior Forester program. Families can check out a backpack loaded with nature investigation supplies, for free. You will receive an age-appropriate activity book (grade band K-2 or 3-5) containing hands-on learning experiences to be completed on a self-guided hike in the forest. Upon completion, each child will receive a SC Forestry Commission Junior Forester badge, as well as a Smokey Bear goody bag.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. Due to limited staffing, this program is not available on weekends.
For more information, please contact Assistant Environmental Education Program Manager Shelby Bentley at SBentley@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8855.

Geocaching at Harbison State Forest

Find the seven geocaches hidden along the Learning & Discovery Trails to complete the HSF Geocache Coin Challenge. Each cache contains information regarding the divisions and duties within SCFC, and the importance of forestry in our state. There is an accompanying set of questions (one for each cache) that can be completed and turned into the Education Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you answer all seven questions correctly, you will receive a SCFC geocache coin!

The course follows the established 0.7 mile “Learning Trail” and 0.5 mile “Discovery Trail” which both start at the Education Center – 5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The terrain difficulty level is rated as “easy” on these hike-only trails. Harbison State Forest is also dog-friendly, but please remember to keep your pets on a leash! There is a $5 daily parking fee for Harbison State Forest and a fee box can be found at the Education Center.

There are seven individual geocaches hidden along these trails, which can be found in 50-cal ammo cans. Each cache contains a log book and information regarding the divisions and duties within the South Carolina Forestry Commission. There is an accompanying set of seven questions (1 for each cache) that can be completed and turned into the Education Center. If you answer all seven questions correctly, you will receive a SCFC coin!
To get started, please check out the instructions page. The answer sheet can be printed at home or picked up from the Education Center. For more information, please contact Assistant Environmental Education Program Manager Shelby Bentley at SBentley@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8855.

UnbeLEAFable! – Children’s tree ID book

A kid-friendly, self-led guide to identifying trees at Harbison State Forest

The Unbeleafable guide is a kid-friendly, self-led guide to identifying trees in HSF. By using the Unbeleafable guide, you will conquer the basics of tr ee identification techniques. You will get to identify over 10 tree species in Harbison State Forest, all while learning some fun facts from our friend, Serrated Sam! Pick up your free copy anytime from the Education Center. They are located in a display box next to the front door.

Scouting America

The Forestry Commission can provide assistance and resources for Scouts working on these badges:

for Wolf Cub Scouts: Champions for Nature Wolf
for Bear Cub Scouts: Champions for Nature Bear
for Arrow of Light Cub Scouts: Into the Woods
for Scouts: Forestry

Our Into the Woods and Forestry merit badge workshops were held in June and July in 2026, but we’ll be hosting them again next year. Please check the Indian Waters calendar early next year at https://indianwaters.org.

Girl Scouts of America (GSA)

The Forestry Commission can provide assistance and resources for Scouts working on these badges:

for Brownies: Eco-friend
for Juniors: Eco-camper
for Cadettes: Trees
for Seniors: Eco-explorer
for Ambassadors: Eco-advocate

Our Eco-friend/Eco-Camper and Trees badge workshops were held in June 2026, but we’ll be hosting them again next year. Please check the Mountains to Midlands calendar early next year at www.gssc-mm.org/.

For more information, contact Environmental Education Program Manager Matt Schnabel at MSchnabel@scfc.gov.

Speakers

Do you need forestry-related speakers for classroom visits, programs, clubs and group meetings? Call the office for your county to speak with someone.

Educational programs are also available at three State Forests:
Harbison State Forest: (803) 896-8890
Sand Hills State Forest : (843) 498-6478
Manchester State Forest: (803) 494-8196

Scouting programs | Junior Forester program | Speakers | Additional educational resources

Other Educational Resources for Schools and the Public

A Tree’s Dream

Teach your students about ways we are conserving Earth’s natural resources and protecting the environment through the “A Tree’s Dream” video and accompanying lessons. Follow the dream of Tim the tree as he fulfills his dream of becoming part of a family’s home.

Forest Trees of South Carolina

Tree Identification Book for South Carolina. Soft-bound copies of the book may be purchased directly from the SC Forestry Commission for $20 ($15 if you pick up in person). Click here to order your copy/copies today!

Forestry Tools

Learn some common forestry tools.

Forestry Works

This website contains information about forestry careers, training opportunities, and many other resources for educators. Forestry Works educates students, parents, and teachers about careers and job opportunities in the forest industry, and provides interested students with resources to help them along their career path.

People of Forestry: Discover Careers in the Forest

This activity book has fun activities that teach children about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of our forests as well as careers in forestry and tree care.

US Forest Service Learning Portal

Educational resources for kids, parents, teachers and natural resource professionals.

Videos

SC Forestry Commission YouTube channel

Forest Fast Break videos
Short, animated, fun videos that teach about natural resource topics. Videos were produced and provided by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.

Southern Group of State Foresters

This YouTube channel contains videos on topics from careers, to environmental protection, to forest management, and many more.

For more information, please contact Assistant Environmental Education Program Manager Shelby Bentley at SBentley@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8855.

Education